After Tesla, Vietnamese EV maker VinFast enters India, opens first showroom in Gujarat

Vietnamese electric vehicle (EV) giant VinFast has officially stepped into the Indian market with the launch of its first showroom in Surat, Gujarat, ahead of the opening of its much-anticipated manufacturing facility in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu. With this move, VinFast becomes the latest international EV brand to enter India, following the much-hyped entry of Tesla, which inaugurated its Mumbai showroom recently.
First Footprint in India: Surat Showroom Launch
VinFast’s retail journey in India begins with the opening of ‘VinFast Surat’, a dealership promoted by Chandan Car, a prominent name in the Indian auto retail industry. Located in Piplod, Surat, this facility is designed to offer customers an immersive experience ranging from exploring vehicle features, test drives, and seamless purchase journeys to robust after-sales support.
VinFast has ambitious expansion plans in India. According to ANI, the company aims to establish 35 dealerships in over 27 cities by the end of the year, further cementing its dedication to becoming a key player in the Indian EV ecosystem.
New Launches: VF 6 and VF 7
The Surat showroom will showcase two premium SUV models VF 6 and VF 7, both designed for the Indian market. Interestingly, India is the first market where these models will be available in right-hand drive, showing the company's strategic product adaptation for Indian consumers.
VF 6: A compact electric SUV ideal for families, the VF 6 features a five-seater layout, a panoramic sunroof, and a large touchscreen infotainment system. It is expected to be priced between ₹18 lakh to ₹24 lakh.
VF 7: A mid-size SUV offering a more premium experience, the VF 7 comes with a luxurious cabin, wireless charging, connected car technology, and a larger touchscreen interface. Its expected price range is ₹30 lakh to ₹35 lakh.
Pre-bookings for both models began on July 15, 2025, and interested customers can reserve their vehicles at showrooms or online at VinFastAuto.in with a fully refundable booking amount of ₹21,000.
India’s Growing Appeal to Global EV Giants
Speaking about the company’s vision, Pham Sanh Chau, CEO of VinFast Asia, stated, “The first VinFast Showroom in Surat, Gujarat is a symbol of our deep commitment to India. We are excited to bring the VinFast experience closer to Indian consumers.”
India’s EV market has seen a surge in foreign investment interest, driven largely by the government’s recent initiatives to attract international manufacturers. One of the key incentives includes allowing automakers to import a limited number of electric vehicles at a reduced 15% import duty, significantly lower than the previous 70-110% range, as per Mint.
Conclusion
With its flagship showroom now open and two premium SUV models launched, VinFast is positioning itself as a formidable competitor in India's EV landscape. Its future manufacturing base in Tamil Nadu, coupled with a growing dealership network, signals strong intent to localize operations and serve a broad range of Indian consumers. As India evolves into a global EV hub, players like VinFast are poised to accelerate the transition toward sustainable mobility.